Celebrate Women's History Month Downtown!

Celebrate Women’s History Month with these recognizable ladies of Downtown Indianapolis!

Lady Victory: All eyes fall on me as I am THE center of the city perched atop the Indiana Soldiers and Sailors Monument over 284 ft. above Monument Circle (only 15 ft. shorter than the Statue of Liberty!). Made of limestone and designed by German architect Bruno Schmitz, I was dedicated in 1902. For the past 118 years I have symbolized the City of Indianapolis and commemorated the service of Indiana’s heroes who served before World War I. Much needed structural and cosmetic repairs led to my first trip off the statue in the spring of 2011. Now I am looking better than ever!

Location: Monument Circle

Ann Dancing: Known for my smooth, LED-illuminated sway, I greet visitors to Mass Ave and pedestrians along the Indianapolis Cultural Trail. Designed by internationally celebrated Welsh artist, Julian Opie, I joined Mass Ave in 2008. I aim to encourage random, spontaneous and inspired creativity. Come dance with me!

Location: intersection of Mass Ave, Alabama and Vermont Streets

Lady Spray: The enthusiastic persistence of my Fountain Square neighbors led to my rededication in 2010. I am a Greek Goddess with a prime location at the intersection of Virginia Avenue, Prospect and Shelby streets. I give Fountain Square a splash of history as the original version of me was erected in 1889 as a water source for citizens and their horses. Today, I stand in the center of all that is the funky and eclectic – Fountain Square Cultural District.

Dimensional Shadows: You’ll find my muraled-self decked out in bold hues of grey and blue on the 600 block of Mass Ave. My artist, Eduardo Mendieta, was commissioned to create me as part of the Arts Council of Indianapolis’ 46 for XLVI mural project. I signify the importance of self-empowerment and represent the breaking of planes – be it planes found in work, relationships or life.

Location: 609 Massachusetts Avenue

Little Orphant Annie: Four stanzas written by famous Hoosier poet, James Whitcomb Riley, launched my story into the spotlight of plays, comic strips, television shows, movies and more.The poem was aimed toteach children the importance of obeying one’s parents and being kind to the unfortunate. You can learn more about me by visiting the James Whitcomb Riley Home located in the historic Lockerbie Square neighborhood in Downtown Indianapolis.

Location: 528 Lockerbie St. (James Whitcomb Riley Home)

Madam C.J. Walker: I developed and marketed a hugely popular line of beauty and hair products for black women and became the first self-made American woman millionaire. In 1910, I moved to Indianapolis where I established my headquarters and built a factory. My generous nature led to the creation of the community center known as Madame Walker Theatre Center. Today, you can learn more about me by taking a tour at the Center located on Indiana Avenue.